ABSTRACT

Haemorrhoids represent a common condition with the vast majority of patients responding to conservative management. A certain proportion of patients require intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a novel, minimally invasive technique employing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) energy (RAFAELO) to treat haemorrhoidal disease.

Methods: This was a prospective study involving 13 patients. All procedures were performed under deep sedation and local anaesthetic using a HPR45I probe. Patient demographics and outcomes were recorded. The Haemorrhoidal Severity Score (HSS) was administered pre-operatively and at a two-month interval. All patients in the study had failed banding and their main symptom was bleeding.

Results: The median age was 34 (range 20-70). There were eight males and five females. There were no immediate post-operative complications. There was one secondary haemorrhage nine days following surgery, which settled conservatively. HSS improved from 6.84 (SD1.8) before the procedure to 1.9 (SD1.2) after the procedure. The mean return to normal activities was 2 days.

Conclusion: RFA is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic haemorrhoids. It allows a quick return to normal activities. Further studies are required to establish long term efficacy.